Kolkata horror: CITU stages silent protest at Shimla medical college

Shimla, August 22

The Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) here today staged a silent protest outside Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, against the brutal rape and murder of a junior resident doctor in RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. The protesters demanded severe punishment to the culprits and the implementation of robust laws to ensure the safety of doctors and other medical personnel.

CITU state president Vijender Mehra said, “Subjecting a resident doctor to continuous 36-hour shifts is a clear violation of international standards and disregards the century-old eight-hour workday rule. The lack of rest and changing rooms after such extended shifts is extremely unfortunate and against human values.”

“Due to the apathy of the Central and state governments, no solid laws have been established for doctors, administrative officials, nursing staff, clerical staff, data entry operators, ward attendants, ECG staff, cleaning and security staff, paramedical staff and other medical personnel,” Mehra added.

“The ratio of medical staff to patients is far below national standards, affecting not only patients but also placing heavy workload on medical staff. The roles of the West Bengal state government, hospital management and the police in this incident are under suspicion as they seem to be trying to shield the culprits. With a massive outrage, doctors’ strikes, and the intervention of the Supreme Court and the Kolkata High Court, there is now a hope for justice being served,” he said.